My Question to all Miracle Readers

By Misbah Naseer
Being part of the Miracle team for almost eight years comes with its perks. You don’t get week-long deadlines anymore-- your work on the fly, sometimes with 30 minutes deadlines. You may be working on a special edition of the newspaper few hours before catching a plane or within a week after giving birth. Yes, that is the kind of dedication that it takes to get an issue of this paper in your hands. This is not just one person’s story. A number of people work behind the scenes, under the command of Mr. Naseer Pirzada to put together the biweekly issue of the newspaper. That is why we feel elated when someone drops a quick line in our email inbox about a news feature that was run in the paper. Similarly, positive criticism of the paper reminds us that this is an uphill climb and we have to push ourselves harder to get to the top. We are not there yet, but we try very hard which I hope you can witness in this week’s issue.
I have been involved with the Miracle Media group for just about one-third of my life now. The experience has helped me grow as an individual and broaden my intellectual horizon. I realize now that it is very easy to give a personal opinion but trying to give a balanced analysis is not so trivial. You have to put personal biases aside, and stomach some hard facts you wish you could just ignore. Writing a balanced political analysis is one thing, but managing a 36-40 pages edition every other week is completely different. In recent years, the editorial board of the Miracle has done an excellent job in trying to walk this fine line. They have refrained from “sensational” journalism or pitting one individual or organization against another. However, important issues demanding awareness are immediately addressed in the editorial in English section and “Awaz-e-Peer” and editorial of the Urdu section. Whether it was the incident of racial abuse in the community, the menace of domestic violence or the changes in airport security, the readers have found the Miracle right on the frontline voicing the concerns of the community. I am proud to say that it was under this banner, BC’s Muslim community was introduced to the first Muslim political candidate in civic elections, Dr. Aftab Sheikh and the political wave that started in the beginning of this decade reached heights when Mr. Ijaz Chattha was elected as a Surrey School Board Trustee. We have seen increasing political activism in the community and we hope to continue bringing awareness to issues of such paramount importance.
Now don’t get me wrong here, the board has not turned a blind eye to serious community issues or sided with one “party”. Every issue, no matter how controversial, is given its due importance by the editorial board. (You should see the phone bills racked up by the Managing editor who is usually on the frontline when it comes to resolving issues). However, nothing is published in the paper with the intention to shame and blame an individual or an organization. The board addresses the issue at the heart and often, the readers have the opportunity to read about its resolution in this newspaper. This is the policy of this newspaper, not seeking controversy or worse, creating controversy but practically standing by its slogan of bringing harmony.
Not surprisingly, you can not make everyone happy, neither is this the goal of the newspaper. The board aims to provide credit where it is due so if a person volunteers with five organizations and is at the forefront of all events, it is only rational that they will receive press for their praiseworthy actions. Unfortunately, it is the dilemma of our community that only a certain group of people is actively involved in events, particularly those of religious and cultural nature. These individuals of various organizations sacrifice their time and often put in personal resources to organize events and make them successful. Yet, quite a few people complain about providing over-coverage to certain community members, but expect themselves to be featured in the newspaper with no accomplishment to their name. This may hurt a few but this is the reality my friends–no pain no gain. If you feel you have contributed to a worthy cause or a particular community event or issue should be addressed, tell us about it. Our reporting team is quite small and we rely largely on personal communication so give us a call or drop an email and the board will get in touch.
In terms of community involvement in the newspaper, our Urdu section is a definite success story. The number of regular writers from the local community has increased substantially, with everyone contributing literary marvels. No doubt, the constant encouragement of our Urdu Editor, Mr. Mohammad Rafiq has a large role in keeping our writers committed to voicing their thoughts. Although our English section caters to an even larger community than the Urdu one, it lags somewhat behind in community contributions. We have some dedicated professionals and local political analysts who send us their work from time to time but I expect we can find more gems in our large community.  I am aware there are a few individuals particularly amongst youth who are studying or practicing in the field of communication and journalism and there are others, who have strong opinions and are quite capable of expressing balanced and coherent viewpoints in writing. I invite all of them to contribute to this newspaper, and really make it their own. Write an investigative piece about a community issue, tell everyone how to save some tax dollars, voice your thoughts about the political scene, share your experience at that exquisite halal restaurant down a certain street. We have all read about great revolutions and political movements that started simply with a few strokes of a pen. Many of us are capable of holding that mighty pen and repeat history, so why wait?
I know we have all been hiding behind excuses.  I for one always use the excuse: “ I am a full-time working mom, I don’t have time.” What’s your excuse? Whatever it is, let go of it and pick up your pen or get your fingers moving on that keyboard, and contribute! If you are hesitant about your writing skills, our editorial board is happy to provide advice. For all the “informal” types, specially those from my generation who use short facebook/twitter updates and wall posts/notes to convey their thoughts, you have no excuse either. Come join the Miracle newspaper on Facebook. Comment on articles, give your suggestions, start your own discussion about the issue on your mind. This year, let’s practice what we love to preach to others. YOU HAVE NO EXCUSE!
Misbah Naseer is the Assistant—editor of the Miracle newspaper and can be reached at misbahn@gmail.com for comments. readers are invited to join us on Facebook, search for the page “The Miracle Newspaper”.

By Tariq Mian, Toronto
Based on the amnesty granted under the national reconciliation ordinance (NRO), all the pending criminal and civil proceedings against 840 people including some high profile dignitaries and political figures Œcrash landed‚ onto the shelves of Record office. Hence, Zardari being the major beneficiary managed to win the country‚s highest position, but remained subject to the final outcome of the challenged (NRO) pending adjudication in those days.
In other words, Zardari‚s newly achieved presidency was vulnerable to any subsequent negative verdict by the Apex Court. Surprisingly, the annulment of the said black law by the SC verdict of December 16, 2009 could not convince the defacto President to step down. Instead, he claimed immunity in all criminal cases that were freshly revived against him. Notwithstanding, PM and the party stands with him in the critical hour.
Since the ruling party suffered from JUDICIAL PHOBIA, a defensive mechanism was designed to deal with the scenario. The government, however, has been trying different strategies for defusing negative judicial verdicts. Unfortunately, the ruling elite chose to be on the offensive spree and began defying the court orders later on. Thus, the most inappropriate behaviour has lead to the poor governance.
Ignoring Chief Justice of Pakistan and CJ LHC is clearly a defiance as the nominees for induction in the higher judiciary are not acceptable to Salman Taseer and Zardari. After all, it is a matter of Œlife and death‚ for Pakistan Peoples Party especially in the absence of jialaa-judges. Therefore, the government‚s strategy to delay the key judicial nominations is „a show off‰ that the importance of the Executive is superior to that of judiciary. What a non-sense situation?
Pres Zardari, PM Gilani and (Musharraf‚s appointed) Governor Taseer talk about Œseniority‚ when appointing new judges, whereas Justice Chaudhry and Justice Khawaja, simply have followed the principle of „merit‰ while nominating names for induction in the superior judiciary. Legally speaking, such discretion stays with the Chief Justice, while the President has no choice but to accept the recommended names under the Constitution--no matter what.
However, when PM Gilani claims that the government is marching towards good governance, the people are appreciating PPP‚s politics of reconciliation, and the government has good relationships with the Opposition inside and outside the Parliament, it seems as if the Rulers are either under-educated or they are faking good governance. Is it good governance or a deceit in governance?
A recent example of good governance: Rs9 billion Bank of Punjab loan scam where the court was kept in dark. The undesirable NAB chief still exits with full muscles under the kind leadership of the Rulers.
„It seems our judgments are not being acted upon,‰ the chief justice observed while hearing the Rs9 billion Bank of Punjab loan scam case. "How about sending him behind bars," the CJ observed. The observation was made when the court was informed that a plea bargain deal had been struck between the NAB and the family accused of being involved in the loan fraud without informing it.
„Article 190 of the Constitution is a mandatory provision under which there is no alternative for the executive but to act in aid of the Supreme Court. Persons identified as responsible for non-implementation of the judgment can be punished by the Supreme Court for contempt for disobedience of its judgment,‰ the Supreme Court said in its detailed judgment on review petitions filed by the PCO judges, released a fortnight back.
As the Judges appointment deadline has already expired, PM Gilani is now vulnerable to a possible contempt of court proceedings not only on account of his failure to implement the apex court‚s decision on the NRO but also for delaying the appointment of judges in violation of the Constitution and the judgment in the Al-Jihad case.
Other example of poor governance is an ongoing electrical „power outage‰ for prolonged hours. It is quite disturbing as it causes a compromised quality of life and hits the industrial sector leading to a major decline in the country‚s economy. It is a difficult time for the country, but good governance is a necessary condition for the revival of normalcy.
The government comprises three basic organs ˜ the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. When any of these organs becomes ineffective or does not work according to its constitutional mandate, it will result in lack of good governance. Judiciary‚s job is to preserve and protect the Constitution, interpret laws, enforce fundamental rights and settle disputes. „Without an independent, impartial and effective judiciary, a civilized society is hardly conceivable. In the same way, a legal system without the legislature is inconceivable. Hence, a country is said to have good governance when it provides blind justice at low price to its people on a fast track basis.
Conclusion, of course, is that Chief justice must make lower judiciary more efficient and trustworthy for a cheaper and quicker justice to people so that a common person can see independence of Judiciary. And, if Pres Zardari has nothing to hide, he should ignore his protection under Article 248. Why would he need immunity when he has not committed any crime? However, he must declare his assets and their source. Last of all, the prime minister should show what he and his family owned before he took office and what he owns now. This will make him a role model necessary for changing the culture of governance. He has to demonstrate that „merit and rule of law‰ determine his decision-making. Definitely, it would result in good governance Œessential for the economic growth‚ anxiously being awaited by the people.